HESPERIA — Before their little canine companion leaves this earth, Charles and Sally Brugnola are giving the community an opportunity to say goodbye.

The Brugnolas, who are therapy dog facilitators, have scheduled a “Celebration of a Life Well Lived” event for their dog Sweetheart on Sunday at The New Funky Poodle in Hesperia.

Over a decade ago, two teenagers poured gasoline on Sweetheart, who suffered burns over 70 percent of her body. After her recovery, the canine appeared on various TV shows and traveled the country bringing emotional recovery to many, such as first responders in New York City during the events of 9/11.

Last month, the Brugnolas shared the news that their little 18-year-old mixed-breed, who is partially blind and totally deaf, was not going to win her fourth bout with cancer, and that she does not have long to live.

“We want people to come and meet the amazing Sweetheart who was horribly burned, abandoned, and left for dead,” said Charles Brugnola, owner of Good Dog Training by Charlie. “Many loving and caring people brought her back to life with donations, well wishes, and a heartfelt need to help.”

Lucy Cox, the veterinarian technician who nursed Sweetheart through her three-month hospital stay after she suffered major burns on her body, will also be on hand.

Sunday’s event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The New Funky Poodle, a pet grooming business, is located at 17112 Main Street in Hesperia.

For more information on Good Dog Training by Charlie and Sweetheart, visit www.howardsmuffler.com or call 760-952-2416.

Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227, RDeLa Cruz@VVDailyPress.com or on Twitter@DP_ReneDeLaCruz.